G.I. Joe action figures

G.I. Joe started in 1964 as a series of military-themed 12 inch action figures by Hasbro toys. Hasbro originally named the action figures as "Rocky" (marine/soldier) "Skip" (sailor) and "Ace" (pilot), before the more universal name G.I. Joe was adopted. The first action figures were Action Soldier, Action Sailor, Action Pilot and Action Marine. The name G.I. Joe became the toyline brand. G.I. Joe was also directly responsible for the term 'action figure' to distance it from the term 'doll' with its connotations for girls toys.

There have been many changes over the years, new toy lines and subjects as well as G.I. Joe comic books, tv series and video games; currently G.I. Joe action figures are much sought by collectors.